The Improviser's Way

I’ve just gone through my whole diary for 2014 to see what actually happened last year. I’m glad I did, it’s reminded me of all the cool stuff that happened. Out of the crazy big list, some highlights that made me smile were: ·Opening for and training with TJ and Dave.·Directing Oh Boy! The Quantum Leap Show and taking it up to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A particular highlight was playing Sam at our Maydays improv residential, Osho Leela.·Geekeasy, our Project2 comedy night for nerds. I’m so proud of how it’s gone so far and it’s lovely playing with my besties Chris Mead and Jon Monkhouse.·The Liverpool Improvathon was just incredible. I didn’t believe that improv could be that good in such a context. I learned a lot, had a really, really fun time and made some new chums. Nell Mooney and Ed Croft were particularly awesome.·The Hoopla Panto was also a total surprise highlight, I wasn’t a fan of panto, but I’m a huge fan of that team and that show. Steve Roe is ever the antidote to me being in my head.·I’ve started podcasting improv shows with my husband, Tony Harris and that’s a total joy because we’re both learning so much new stuff. We even did an improv show as a podcast first and a stage show second.·I’ve had the pleasure of coaching some really good shows including Jinni Lyons is an Only Child.·I’ve had some super gigs with Who Ya Gonna Call? We beat our Edinburgh take from 2013, played the Albany and did a Ghostbusters commentary at a Picturehouse cinema with Cine Fringe. We have clocked up more than 50 gigs and I’m still thoroughly enjoying the show.·I played a time travelling Rimmer-type character in Theatre Delicatessen’s Spaced 2014 Forked Path show The Baker Street Butcher and had a real blast.·It’s been lovely teaching longform for Hoopla and seeing all the new talent growing. There were so many things. I did various bits of filming and voiceover stuff, saw some terrific shows, made a solo show, went to Croatia on my hols and generally had a pretty great year. 2015 is the big launch year for Yes Ampersand, the new night for two person improvisation. I’m excited about that, about doing more Maydays, Project2, Katy & Rach, podcast shows and getting my USA fix in the summer.